Canadian uranium producer Cameco is a step closer to mining the remote Kintyre uranium deposit in Western Australia.
WA environment minister Albert Jacob has granted the company conditional environmental approval to develop the remote east Pilbara project after more than four years of consultation and environmental studies.
Over 2,500 public submissions were received during the review period, and 17 appeals were lodged against the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) recommendations to approve the mine.
Approval is still required from federal environment minister Greg Hunt.
Cameco Australia managing director Brian Reilly said the company was taking prudent steps to prepare its Australian projects for a development decision, once market conditions are suitable.
"We are confident the Kintyre project can be constructed, operated and closed in a way which maintains the ecological functions and environmental values in the area and will ensure all regulatory conditions are met," Mr Reilly said.
Cameco has previously detailed plans to truck up to 3,600 tonnes of uranium oxide each year from Kintyre, near Telfer in the Pilbara.
The company's proposal includes the upgrade and construction of 90 kilometres of access road to move uranium oxide concentrate to the West Australian/South Australian border, where it is then transported to the Port of Adelaide.
Cameco, which is listed on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges, bought the Kintyre deposit in 2008 with joint venture partner Mitsubishi Development.
The Canadian company has been exploring for uranium in Australia since 1996, and is also involved in the proposed Yeelirrie project, WA's biggest uranium project, which it bought from BHP Billiton for $430 million in 2012.
Cameco has until 2018 to submit a development proposal to develop Yeelirrie.
Cameco also has operations in Canada, the United States and Asia.
Last year uranium miner Toro Energy began drilling at the Wiluna uranium project, 960 kilometres northeast of Perth, the first new uranium mine in WA to receive federal government approval since the government lifted a ban on uranium mining in 2008.
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